In the early 1880s, tragedy came to Thayer and his wife when two of their small children died unexpectedly, just one year apart.

In 1901, he and his wife settled permanently in Dublin, New Hampshire. Thayer’s wife lapsed into an irreversible depression, which led to her confinement in an asylum, the decline of her health, and eventual death, on May 3, 1891.

He married for a second time.

Thayer suffered from a condition that today is called bipolar disorder, as well as from anxiety.

He often painted ideal figures such as Angels.

The above painting depicts his children in an idealised setting. His daughter Margaret is the central figure who exudes innocence, purity, freshness and vitality. A father`s pride and joy.